]]>A new study has found that cannabis terpenes have attributes that are “anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticancer, antitumor, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, anti-allergic, antibiotic and anti-diabetic”.

The study was published by the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. It’s abstract starts by stating that “Cannabaceae plants Cannabis sativa L. and Humulus lupulus L. are rich in terpenes – both are typically comprised of terpenes as up to 3-5% of the dry-mass of the female inflorescence.” Some terpenes “are relatively well known for their potential in biomedicine and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, while others are yet to be studied in detail.”

With that in mind, “The current, comprehensive review presents terpenes found in cannabis and hops.” They found that “Terpenes’ medicinal properties are supported by numerous in vitro, animal and clinical trials and show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticancer, antitumor, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, anti-allergic, antibiotic and anti-diabetic attributes, among others.”

Researchers state that “Because of the very low toxicity, these terpenes are already widely used as food additives and in cosmetic products. Thus, they have been proven safe and well-tolerated.”

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-terpenes-have-anti-inflammatory-antioxidant-analgesic-anticonvulsive-antidepressant-anxiolytic-anticancer-antitumor-neuroprotective-anti-mutagenic-anti-allergic-antibiotic/feed/037576Study: Cannabis Can Help Treat Schizophrenia, Offering “a Fresh Start and Newfound Hope”https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-can-help-treat-schizophrenia-offering-a-fresh-start-and-newfound-hope/
https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-can-help-treat-schizophrenia-offering-a-fresh-start-and-newfound-hope/#respondTue, 14 Aug 2018 02:29:43 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37572According to a new study published by the open access journal Medicines, and published online by the National Institute of Health, cannabis “can be used as a treatment for schizophrenia… offering a fresh start and newfound hope”. According to the study’s abstract, “Approximately 0.5% of the population is diagnosed with some form of schizophrenia, under …

]]>According to a new study published by the open access journal Medicines, and published online by the National Institute of Health, cannabis “can be used as a treatment for schizophrenia… offering a fresh start and newfound hope”.

According to the study’s abstract, “Approximately 0.5% of the population is diagnosed with some form of schizophrenia, under the prevailing view that the pathology is best treated using pharmaceutical medications that act on monoamine receptors.” For the study, researchers reviewed “evidence on the impact of environmental forces, particularly the effect of autoimmune activity, in the expression of schizophrenic profiles and the role of Cannabis therapy for regulating immunological functioning.”

“A review of the literature shows that phytocannabinoid consumption may be a safe and effective treatment option for schizophrenia as a primary or adjunctive therapy”, states the study. “Emerging research suggests that Cannabis can be used as a treatment for schizophrenia within a broader etiological perspective that focuses on environmental, autoimmune, and neuroinflammatory causes of the disorder, offering a fresh start and newfound hope for those suffering from this debilitating and poorly understood disease.”

The study was conducted at the University of New Mexico, with researchers from both the Department of Psychology and the Department of Economics.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-can-help-treat-schizophrenia-offering-a-fresh-start-and-newfound-hope/feed/037572It’s Official: North Dakota Marijuana Legalization Initiative Placed on November Ballothttps://thejointblog.com/its-official-north-dakota-marijuana-legalization-initiative-placed-on-november-ballot/
https://thejointblog.com/its-official-north-dakota-marijuana-legalization-initiative-placed-on-november-ballot/#respondMon, 13 Aug 2018 17:04:13 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37564An initiative to legalize marijuana in North Dakota has officially qualified for the November general election ballot. According to the North Dakota secretary of state’s office, Legalize ND submitted more than the 13,500 valid signatures required to place their marijuana legalization initiative on the November 6 ballot. The proposal, if passed, would give North Dakota one …

]]>An initiative to legalize marijuana in North Dakota has officially qualified for the November general election ballot.

According to the North Dakota secretary of state’s office, Legalize ND submitted more than the 13,500 valid signatures required to place their marijuana legalization initiative on the November 6 ballot.

The proposal, if passed, would give North Dakota one of the least restrictive legalization laws in the country. It would allow those 21 and older to possess, cultivate and distribute marijuana for recreational purposes. The initiative would legalize all forms of marijuana, including oils and hash,

In addition, the initiative establishes a 3-step system for marijuana expungements:

Step 1.) The state begins to analyze all those currently in prison with charges that would be applicable under the law and flags them for expungment.

Step 2.) 30 days after their release from prison, the state shall automatically expunge their records.

Step 3.) The state then has 10 additional days to send via certified mail notification of such an event occurring.

If that state fails to expunge a record that qualifies, the person has a right to a court appeal. If the person wins the court appeal, they can sue the state for fiscal damages with the state waiving it’s sovereign immunity in the case.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/its-official-north-dakota-marijuana-legalization-initiative-placed-on-november-ballot/feed/037564Study: Legalizing Medical Marijuana Associated with a 33.7% Reduction in Workplace Fatalities Among Those Aged 25 to 44https://thejointblog.com/study-legalizing-medical-marijuana-associated-with-a-33-7-reduction-in-workplace-fatalities-among-those-aged-25-to-44/
https://thejointblog.com/study-legalizing-medical-marijuana-associated-with-a-33-7-reduction-in-workplace-fatalities-among-those-aged-25-to-44/#commentsFri, 10 Aug 2018 18:30:26 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37552According to a new study published by the International Journal of Drug Policy, the legalization of medical marijuana is associated with a large decrease in workplace fatalities . According to its abstract, the aim of the study “was to determine the association between legalizing medical marijuana and workplace fatalities.” Using data from all 50 states and the …

]]>According to a new study published by the International Journal of Drug Policy, the legalization of medical marijuana is associated with a large decrease in workplace fatalities .

According to its abstract, the aim of the study “was to determine the association between legalizing medical marijuana and workplace fatalities.” Using data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia between 1992 and 2015 (obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics), regression models were adjusted for state demographics, the unemployment rate, state fixed effects, and year fixed effects.

“Legalizing medical marijuana was associated with a 19.5% reduction in the expected number of workplace fatalities among workers aged 25–44”, states the study. This associated “grew stronger over time”, rising to a 33.7% reduction five years after medical marijuana legalization took effect.

Researchers found that medical marijuana laws “that listed pain as a qualifying condition or allowed collective cultivation were associated with larger reductions in fatalities among workers aged 25–44 than those that did not.”

The association between legalizing medical marijuana and workplace fatalities among workers aged 16–24, “although negative, was not statistically significant at conventional levels.”

The study concludes by stating that :The results provide evidence that legalizing medical marijuana improved workplace safety for workers aged 25–44. Further investigation is required to determine whether this result is attributable to reductions in the consumption of alcohol and other substances that impair cognitive function, memory, and motor skills.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-legalizing-medical-marijuana-associated-with-a-33-7-reduction-in-workplace-fatalities-among-those-aged-25-to-44/feed/137552Marijuana Expected to be Rescheduled Federally by the Fallhttps://thejointblog.com/marijuana-expected-to-be-rescheduled-federally-by-the-fall/
https://thejointblog.com/marijuana-expected-to-be-rescheduled-federally-by-the-fall/#commentsThu, 09 Aug 2018 22:08:25 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37537Recently the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the first time ever, gave approval to a marijuana-based medicine. The company behind the medicine now says he expects the government to reschedule cannabis within 90 days. “We expect to make Epidiolex available to U.S. patients this fall, following rescheduling which is expected to occur …

]]>Recently the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the first time ever, gave approval to a marijuana-based medicine. The company behind the medicine now says he expects the government to reschedule cannabis within 90 days.

“We expect to make Epidiolex available to U.S. patients this fall, following rescheduling which is expected to occur within 90 days of FDA approval,” said GW Pharmarceuticals’ CEO Justin Grover in a recent earnings call. “We have been building commercial inventory in recent months and are in a position to ship product into the U.S. supply chain, once rescheduling is complete.”

In June, Epidiolex became the first marijuana-derived medicine to ever be approved by the FDA. According to Grover, roughly 1,200 people in other countries are currently receiving Epidiolex, mostly for Lennox-Gastraut and Dravet Syndromes.

If rescheduling really does occur within 90 days of the FDA’s approval of Epidiolex, the change should happen by the end of September. The most likely scenario is that marijuana will be shifted to schedule 2, which means it’s still highly regulated but does have some medical value. Another possibility is that marijuana-derived CBD is rescheduled rather than marijuana as a whole, which would be a positive development, but less so.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/marijuana-expected-to-be-rescheduled-federally-by-the-fall/feed/137537Study: CBD Helps Heal Wounds During Their Early Stageshttps://thejointblog.com/study-cbd-helps-heal-wounds-during-their-early-stages/
https://thejointblog.com/study-cbd-helps-heal-wounds-during-their-early-stages/#respondThu, 09 Aug 2018 21:48:19 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37530A new study published in the jounal Phytotherapy Research has found that CBD exerts “an antiinflammatory effect in early phase of wound healing process”. “The effects of cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa, were assessed on oral wound healing in an in vivo model”, states the abstract of the study, which was epublished …

]]>A new study published in the jounal Phytotherapy Research has found that CBD exerts “an antiinflammatory effect in early phase of wound healing process”.

“The effects of cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa, were assessed on oral wound healing in an in vivo model”, states the abstract of the study, which was epublished ahead of print by the U.S. National Institute of Health. “Standardized ulcers” were induced in 60 rats, who subsequently received “intraperitoneal injections of CBD at doses of 0 (control), 5, and 10 mg/kg daily.” Animals were weighed daily, and wound healing was clinically and histologically evaluated after 3 and 7 days of treatment.

“CBD treatment did not influence the wound area of ulcerative lesions at either observation time”, states researchers. “”Conversely, microscopic findings revealed that at Day 3 postwounding, CBD-treated lesions exhibited significantly lower inflammatory scores than those in the control group.” However, “this difference was not observed at Day 7.”

Researchers conclude by stating that “Collectively, these findings indicate that CBD exert an antiinflammatory effect in early phase of wound healing process although it was not sufficient promote clinical improvement of oral traumatic ulcerative lesions.

The full study, conducted by researchers at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande and the University of São Paulo, can be found by clicking here.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-cbd-helps-heal-wounds-during-their-early-stages/feed/037530Nearly $600 million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Denver Last Year, $44 Million in Taxes Garneredhttps://thejointblog.com/nearly-600-million-in-legal-marijuana-sold-in-denver-last-year-44-million-in-taxes-garnered/
https://thejointblog.com/nearly-600-million-in-legal-marijuana-sold-in-denver-last-year-44-million-in-taxes-garnered/#commentsThu, 09 Aug 2018 21:38:47 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37531There was almost $600 million in marijuana and marijuana products sold in Denver in 2017, resulting in tens of million of dollars in taxes for the city. According to a new report titled The Denver Collaborative Approach: Leading The Way In Municipal Marijuana Management 2018. there was roughly $587 million in legal marijuana sold throughout …

]]>There was almost $600 million in marijuana and marijuana products sold in Denver in 2017, resulting in tens of million of dollars in taxes for the city.

According to a new report titled The Denver Collaborative Approach: Leading The Way In Municipal Marijuana Management 2018. there was roughly $587 million in legal marijuana sold throughout Denver in 2017, a 29% increase from the year prior. $377 million of this came from recreational marijuana sales, with the remaining $210 million from the legal distribution of medical marijuana

These sales resulted in around $44 million in taxes. This marks a 20% increase from the marijuana tax revenue the city garnered in 2016.

“This new report demonstrates Denver’s coordinated approach between multiple agencies to manage marijuana is working,” said Denver’s Mayor Michael B. Hancock in a press release sent out earlier today. “We took on the daunting challenge of becoming the first major city in America to manage legalized recreational marijuana and we are having success. That’s because of coordination between Denver’s Excise and Licenses, Denver’s Fire Department, Police Department, Department of Public Health and Environment, Community Planning and Development, as well as our partners in other city agencies, the community from the marijuana industry and public health advocates.”

In Denver, marijuana has been legal since 2013, with the first legal sales taking place in January of the following year.

Denver is the most populated city in Colorado with around 690,000 residents.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/nearly-600-million-in-legal-marijuana-sold-in-denver-last-year-44-million-in-taxes-garnered/feed/137531Study: 80% of Autistic Children Saw Improvements Afer Consuming CBDhttps://thejointblog.com/study-80-of-autistic-children-saw-improvements-afer-consuming-cbd/
https://thejointblog.com/study-80-of-autistic-children-saw-improvements-afer-consuming-cbd/#commentsWed, 08 Aug 2018 21:21:22 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37527In a new study published by the journal Neurology, 80% of children with autism saw improvements in their condition after being administered cannabidiol (CBD). For the study, 60 children with an average age of 12 were given cannabis oil containing 20% CBD and 1% THC, for a period of seven months. After the seven-month period, children …

]]>In a new study published by the journal Neurology, 80% of children with autism saw improvements in their condition after being administered cannabidiol (CBD).

For the study, 60 children with an average age of 12 were given cannabis oil containing 20% CBD and 1% THC, for a period of seven months.

After the seven-month period, children filled out a questionnaire asking if they noticed any changes in their condition. Parents were asked if they noticed any changes in their child’s condition, and were asked about any changes in their child’s anxiety levels and communication abilities.

According to the study’s lead Dr. Adi Aran, director of the pediatric neurology unit at Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, 80% of parents reported a decrease in problematic behavior following the use of CBD, and 62% reported that their child’s behavior improved significantly. Around half of the children claimed they noticed improvements in their communication, and 40% saw significant improvements in their anxiety symptoms.

“According to the astonishing report, eighty percent of the children reported improved functioning!”, says Nachshol Cohen, Founder of Cannabium. “We hope that this research will help to bring about a conceptual change by regulators and policymakers, which will lead to a scientific momentum that will unequivocally demonstrate the positive effects of cannabis on a variety of health problems.”

The study also found that half of the children who participated in the study also reported an improvement in their level of communication, with 40% saying that their anxiety symptoms had significantly improved. A third of the participants did not show symptoms of anxiety before the study began.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-80-of-autistic-children-saw-improvements-afer-consuming-cbd/feed/337527Florida Judge Rules Limit on Medical Cannabis Businesses is Unconstitutionalhttps://thejointblog.com/florida-judge-rules-limit-on-medical-cannabis-businesses-is-unconstitutional/
https://thejointblog.com/florida-judge-rules-limit-on-medical-cannabis-businesses-is-unconstitutional/#respondTue, 07 Aug 2018 21:02:22 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37510A circuit court judge in Florida has ruled that the state’s limit on medical cannabis businesses is unconstitutional as it runs contrary to the intent of the voter-approved initiative that legalized the medicine. Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson ruled that an arbitrary cap on medical marijuana treatment centers, passed by state lawmakers in 2017, …

]]>A circuit court judge in Florida has ruled that the state’s limit on medical cannabis businesses is unconstitutional as it runs contrary to the intent of the voter-approved initiative that legalized the medicine.

Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson ruled that an arbitrary cap on medical marijuana treatment centers, passed by state lawmakers in 2017, “directly contradicts the amendment” that legalized medical cannabis.

“Such limits directly undermine the clear intent of the amendment, which by its language seeks to prevent arbitrary restriction on the number of MMTCs authorized to conduct business in the state”, Dodson wrote in his ruling. “The amendment mandates the availability and safe use of medical marijuana by qualifying patients”.

Dodson also ruled that the state’s requirement of “vertical integration” is unconstitutional.

“It’s the first time any judge has weighed in on the licensing process at all, and what he said was unequivocal”, says Florigrown CEO Adam Eland. “What he’s saying, and I think this is super clear, is what you’re doing is unconstitutional”.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/florida-judge-rules-limit-on-medical-cannabis-businesses-is-unconstitutional/feed/037510California: Medical Cannabis for Pets Bill Passed by Assembly, Advances in Senatehttps://thejointblog.com/california-medical-cannabis-for-pets-bill-passed-by-assembly-advances-in-senate/
https://thejointblog.com/california-medical-cannabis-for-pets-bill-passed-by-assembly-advances-in-senate/#respondTue, 07 Aug 2018 20:35:45 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37499Legislation to explicitly allow and regulate the medical use of cannabis for pets is advancing in the California Legislature. California Assembly Bill 2215 would expand “the intent of the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) to control and regulate cannabis and cannabis products for medicinal use on pets.” The bill would define …

]]>Legislation to explicitly allow and regulate the medical use of cannabis for pets is advancing in the California Legislature.

California Assembly Bill 2215 would expand “the intent of the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) to control and regulate cannabis and cannabis products for medicinal use on pets.” The bill would define “cannabis products” to include products intended for medicinal use on a pet. The bill wouldn’t allow a veterinarian to administer medical cannabis, “but allow a veterinarian to discuss the use of cannabis on an animal for medicinal purposes without being disciplined or denied, revoked or suspended by the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB). ”

The measure states that the VMB “would have until July 1, 2019 to promulgate guidelines for veterinarians to follow when discussing the use of cannabis”, and it “Provides that a cannabis product for use on a pet may only be sold to an adult 21 years or age or over by a licensee who has been issued a retailer license, as specified.”

The proposal quietly passed the Assembly at the end of May in a 60 to 10 vote. Yesterday in the Senate Appropriations Committee it was “ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.”

If the bill is passed by the full Senate, it will be sent to Governor Jerry Brown for consideration.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/california-medical-cannabis-for-pets-bill-passed-by-assembly-advances-in-senate/feed/037499Report: Drug Legalization Would Add $100 Billion to U.S. Budgethttps://thejointblog.com/report-drug-legalization-would-add-100-billion-to-u-s-budget/
https://thejointblog.com/report-drug-legalization-would-add-100-billion-to-u-s-budget/#respondMon, 06 Aug 2018 17:33:36 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37493Ending the drug war would result in an additional $100 billion annually for the U.S. budget, according to a new report conducted by The Cato Institute. “Drawing on the most recent available data, this bulletin estimates the fiscal windfall that would be achieved through drug legalization”, states the report. “All told, drug legalization could generate …

]]>Ending the drug war would result in an additional $100 billion annually for the U.S. budget, according to a new report conducted by The Cato Institute.

“Drawing on the most recent available data, this bulletin estimates the fiscal windfall that would be achieved through drug legalization”, states the report. “All told, drug legalization could generate up to $106.7 billion in annual budgetary gains for federal, state, and local governments.” Those gains would come from two primary sources: decreases in drug enforcement spending and increases in tax revenue.

The report estimates that “state and local governments spend $29 billion on drug prohibition annually, while the federal government spends an additional $18 billion.” Meanwhile, “full drug legalization would yield $19 billion in state and local tax revenue and $39 billion in federal tax revenue.

“Legalization can reduce government spending, which saves resources for other uses, and it generates tax revenue that transfers income from drug producers and consumers to public coffers,” Jeffrey Miron, the institute’s Director of Economic Studies, states in the report.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/report-drug-legalization-would-add-100-billion-to-u-s-budget/feed/037493Illinois Governor Signs Bill Allowing Medical Cannabis to be Consumed at Schoolshttps://thejointblog.com/illinois-governor-signs-bill-allowing-medical-cannabis-to-be-consumed-at-schools/
https://thejointblog.com/illinois-governor-signs-bill-allowing-medical-cannabis-to-be-consumed-at-schools/#respondFri, 03 Aug 2018 06:12:36 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37488Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed into law a bill allowing students who are medical cannabis patients to use their medicine on school premises. Governor Rauner’s signing of House Bill 4870 comes roughly two and a half months after the legislature passed the measure by a vote of 149 to 3. The legislation is known as Ashley’s Law, …

]]>Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed into law a bill allowing students who are medical cannabis patients to use their medicine on school premises.

Governor Rauner’s signing of House Bill 4870 comes roughly two and a half months after the legislature passed the measure by a vote of 149 to 3.

The legislation is known as Ashley’s Law, named after 12-year-old Ashley Surin who uses medical marijuana to treat the epilepsy she developed during chemotherapy. The bill amends the Illinois School Code to require “a school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school to authorize a parent or guardian of a student who is a qualifying patient to administer a medical cannabis infused product to the student on school premises or a school bus if both the student (as a qualifying patient) and the parent or guardian (as a designated caregiver) have been issued registry identification cards under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act.”

The measure “Provides that a parent or guardian may not administer a medical cannabis infused product if the administration would create disruption to the school’s educational environment or would cause exposure of the product to other students”, and “Provides that nothing in the provision requires a member of the school’s staff to administer a medical cannabis infused product to a student.”

An amendment passed by the House states:

Provides that the provision may be referred to as Ashley’s Law. Defines terms. Provides that, in addition to the parent or guardian of a student who is a registered qualifying patient, an individual registered with the Department of Public Health as a designated caregiver may administer a medical cannabis infused product to that student. Makes conforming changes. Provides that a parent or guardian or other individual may not administer a medical cannabis infused product in a manner that, in the opinion of the school district or school, would create a disruption to the school’s educational environment or would cause exposure of the product to other students (rather than prohibiting any administration that would create a disruption or cause exposure). Makes other changes concerning restrictions.

The full text of the measure, which took effect immediately after being signed by Governor Rauner, can be found by clicking here.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/illinois-governor-signs-bill-allowing-medical-cannabis-to-be-consumed-at-schools/feed/037488Study: 75% of Physicians in New York Have Patients Who Use Medical Cannabis, Neuropathy the Most Common Qualifying Conditionhttps://thejointblog.com/study-75-of-physicians-in-new-york-have-patients-who-use-medical-cannabis-neuropathy-the-most-common-qualifying-condition/
https://thejointblog.com/study-75-of-physicians-in-new-york-have-patients-who-use-medical-cannabis-neuropathy-the-most-common-qualifying-condition/#respondThu, 02 Aug 2018 03:00:18 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37474According to a new study more than seven out of every 10 physicians in New York have patients who use medical cannabis, with the most common qualifying condition being neuropathy. The study of practicing physicians, MDs or DOs, in New York found that “More than 75% reported having patients who used cannabis for symptom control, and 50% …

]]>According to a new study more than seven out of every 10 physicians in New York have patients who use medical cannabis, with the most common qualifying condition being neuropathy.

The study of practicing physicians, MDs or DOs, in New York found that “More than 75% reported having patients who used cannabis for symptom control, and 50% reported having patients who inquired about MMJ [medical marijuana] within the past year”. The majority (71%) agreed that “MMJ should be an option available to patients”.

The study found that the most common qualifying medical condition among medical cannabis patients to be neuropathy, followed closely by cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Among the medical professionals who have patients using the plant for symptom contol, the most common symptoms were “pain (83%), anxiety (54.7%), nausea (46.2%), depression (37.1%), cachexia (31.1%), and 17.9% for other indications, including for spasticity, sleep issues, and seizures.

For the study, which was published the National Institute of Health’s official website. “A 30-item questionnaire was developed by our research team based on surveys developed by others, but adapted to NY-specific needs (Supplementary Data—Survey).” This survey “sought to obtain perspectives on the NY-MMP from practicing physicians. Survey questions included categorical/nominal, ordinal, and continuous data.”

Survey responses from close-ended questions were sorted and analyzed using Survey Monkey and Excel, and Prism statistical software. Responses from open-ended questions were analyzed through thematic categorization and frequency analysis.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-75-of-physicians-in-new-york-have-patients-who-use-medical-cannabis-neuropathy-the-most-common-qualifying-condition/feed/037474Poll: 85% of Americans Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana, 57% Support Recreational Legalizationhttps://thejointblog.com/poll-85-of-americans-support-legalizing-medical-marijuana-57-support-recreational-legalization/
https://thejointblog.com/poll-85-of-americans-support-legalizing-medical-marijuana-57-support-recreational-legalization/#respondMon, 30 Jul 2018 21:02:25 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37465According to a new HealthDay/Harris Poll, an overwhelming majority of adults in America support legalizing medical marijuana, with a strong majority also in support of legalizing the plant for recreational purposes. The survey found that 85% of Americans believe that marijuana “should be legalized for medical use”, while 57% support legalizing and regulating the plant for …

]]>According to a new HealthDay/Harris Poll, an overwhelming majority of adults in America support legalizing medical marijuana, with a strong majority also in support of legalizing the plant for recreational purposes.

The survey found that 85% of Americans believe that marijuana “should be legalized for medical use”, while 57% support legalizing and regulating the plant for anyone 21 and older, for any use. Among younger respondents (those ages 18 to 44), 68% agree that cannabis should be legal.

“Voters believe that ending America’s failed marijuana prohibition laws is a common-sense issue, not a partisan one,” NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano told HealthDay, which commissioned the poll. “It’s time for their elected officials to take a similar posture, and to move expeditiously to amend federal law in a manner that comports with public and scientific consensus, as well as with marijuana’s rapidly changing cultural and legal status.”

The results of the HealthDay/Harris Poll are similar to those of a Pew Research Center survey released in January, which found that 61% of voters in the U.S. support legalizing marijuana.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/poll-85-of-americans-support-legalizing-medical-marijuana-57-support-recreational-legalization/feed/037465Oklahoma: Enough Signatures Gathered to Put Recreational Marijuana Initiative on November Ballothttps://thejointblog.com/oklahoma-enough-signatures-gathered-to-put-recreational-marijuana-initiative-on-november-ballot/
https://thejointblog.com/oklahoma-enough-signatures-gathered-to-put-recreational-marijuana-initiative-on-november-ballot/#commentsMon, 30 Jul 2018 08:29:08 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37451A nonprofit organization aiming to put a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot in Oklahoma announced Sunday that it has collected enough signatures to do just that. Green The Vote says it has collected 132,527 for State Question 797, which would legalize marijuana for everyone 21 and older. This is over the 124,000 signatures required to put …

A nonprofit organization aiming to put a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot in Oklahoma announced Sunday that it has collected enough signatures to do just that.

Green The Votesays it has collected 132,527 for State Question 797, which would legalize marijuana for everyone 21 and older. This is over the 124,000 signatures required to put the initiative to a vote of the people this November 6. However, the group will be continuing to collect signatures in order to reach their goal of 150,000 in order to ensure that enough of the signatures are valid (from registered Oklahoma voters).

If the proposal is put on the ballot, and subsequently passed into law by voters, the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana, and the cultivation of up to eight seedlings and four mature marijuana plants, would be legal for those 21+. The possession of up to two ounces of marijuana concentrates and up to 72 ounces of marijuana-infused products would also be legal, with a system of licensed marijuana retail outlets authorized to sell the plant.

Under State Question 797 marijuana would be taxed at no more than 7% at the state level, with localities allowed to place an addition tax of up to 2%. The majority (75%) of the tax revenue garnered would go to the Department of Education, with the remainder going to the Department of Health for drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

If the proposal is successfully put on the November ballot, Oklahoma voters will be deciding the fate of recreational marijuana less than five months after voting to legalize medical cannabis.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/oklahoma-enough-signatures-gathered-to-put-recreational-marijuana-initiative-on-november-ballot/feed/137451Study: Cannabis Use Associated With Increased Survival Rates in Heart Attack Patientshttps://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-use-associated-with-increased-survival-rates-in-heart-attack-patients/
https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-use-associated-with-increased-survival-rates-in-heart-attack-patients/#commentsThu, 26 Jul 2018 22:50:13 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37442Those with a history of marijuana use who suffer a heart attack are less likely to die during hospitalization than those who don’t have marijuana in their system, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS One, and epublished by the National Institute of Health. For the study researchers analyzed the hospital records of …

]]>Those with a history of marijuana use who suffer a heart attack are less likely to die during hospitalization than those who don’t have marijuana in their system, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS One, and epublished by the National Institute of Health.

For the study researchers analyzed the hospital records of over 3,854 heart-attack patients who acknowledged that they’ve recently consumed cannabis or had tested positive for it, and compared the data with 1,273,897 individuals who were similarly matched but hadn’t recently consumed marijuana. Researchers found that cannabis use was not associated with adverse short-term health outcomes; this was found after they controlled for potential confounders such as tobacco use.

In addition, “marijuana-using patients were significantly less likely to die, experience shock, or require an IABP (intra-aortic balloon pump) post AMI (acute myocardial infarction) than patients with no reported marijuana use”, states the study. “These results suggest that, contrary to our hypothesis, marijuana use was not associated with increased risk of adverse short-term outcomes following AMI.”

Researchers state that “these findings suggest that additional study is warranted to further investigate these discoveries and to identify potential mechanisms by which marijuana is associated with improved short-term outcomes following AMI.”

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-use-associated-with-increased-survival-rates-in-heart-attack-patients/feed/137442Rhode Island Governor Signs Marijuana Expungement Bill Into Lawhttps://thejointblog.com/rhode-island-governor-signs-marijuana-expungement-bill-into-law/
https://thejointblog.com/rhode-island-governor-signs-marijuana-expungement-bill-into-law/#respondThu, 26 Jul 2018 03:43:23 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37438Legislation allowing those with past marijuana convictions to have the charges expunged (removed) from their criminal record has been signed into law by Governor Gina Raimondo (D). House Bill 8355 and companion measure Senate Bill 2447 allows those with past convictions for crimes involving the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana to petition the …

]]>Legislation allowing those with past marijuana convictions to have the charges expunged (removed) from their criminal record has been signed into law by Governor Gina Raimondo (D).

House Bill 8355 and companion measure Senate Bill 2447 allows those with past convictions for crimes involving the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana to petition the court for an order of expungement. It states, “[W]here the court has determined that all conditions of the original criminal sentence have been completed, … the court [will] order the expungement without cost to the petitioner.” The law took effect immediately upon passage,

In Rhode Island, the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana has been decriminalized since 2013.

“If an act has been decriminalized since a person was charged and paid their price for it, that person shouldn’t have to keep paying the price in the form of being denied jobs and other opportunities because of their criminal record,” bill sponsor Senator Harold Metts said in a statement. “Let them move on, and they can better support themselves and their families and contribute to our communities and our state.”

Delaware lawmakers passed similar legislation this month permitting the expungement of marijuana-related offenses that have since been decriminalized. That bill is awaiting action from the Governor. Maryland enacted a similar law in 2017.

Both Massachusetts and Oregon have enacted legislation vacating the convictions of marijuana-related crimes that are now defined as legal under state law. In California, where voters elected to legalize the adult use of marijuana in 2016, District Attorneys in various cities and counties – including San Francisco and San Diego – are automatically reviewing and dismissing thousands of past marijuana-related convictions.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/rhode-island-governor-signs-marijuana-expungement-bill-into-law/feed/037438Over $122 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Colorado in Mayhttps://thejointblog.com/over-122-million-in-legal-marijuana-sold-in-colorado-in-may/
https://thejointblog.com/over-122-million-in-legal-marijuana-sold-in-colorado-in-may/#respondMon, 23 Jul 2018 07:19:47 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37428Those in Colorado purchased over $122 million worth of marijuana and marijuana products in May, according to new data released by the state’s Department of Revenue. All together there was $122,868,216 worth of marijuana and marijuana products purchased legally in Colorado in May. This is a slight decrease from the $124 million sold in April. …

]]>Those in Colorado purchased over $122 million worth of marijuana and marijuana products in May, according to new data released by the state’s Department of Revenue.

All together there was $122,868,216 worth of marijuana and marijuana products purchased legally in Colorado in May. This is a slight decrease from the $124 million sold in April.

Of the $122 million in marijuana sold in May, around $26.2 million came from the sale of medical marijuana, while the other $96.6 million came from those 21 and older purchasing marijuana for recreational purchases. From these sales, Colorado garnered nearly $20 million in tax revenue.

The new data brings the state’s total marijuana sales for 2018 to around $610 million. This puts Colorado on track to sell around $1.5 billion in legal marijuana for 2018, which would be on par with the $1.5 billion sold in 2017, and slightly higher than the $1.3 billion sold in 2016.

Marijuana was legalized in Colorado in 2012, with marijuana retail outlets opening for business in 2014. Marijuana is taxed at 15% (plus the standard 2.9% statewide sales tax), with the revenue going towards schools, hospitals and roads.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/over-122-million-in-legal-marijuana-sold-in-colorado-in-may/feed/037428Study: States Decriminalizing Marijuana Doesn’t Increase Youth Usage Rates, Decreases Drug-Related Arrests by 75%https://thejointblog.com/study-states-decriminalizing-marijuana-doesnt-increase-youth-usage-rates-decreases-drug-related-arrests-by-75/
https://thejointblog.com/study-states-decriminalizing-marijuana-doesnt-increase-youth-usage-rates-decreases-drug-related-arrests-by-75/#commentsMon, 23 Jul 2018 04:12:26 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37423In a study of five states that have decriminalized marijuana, it was found that decriminalization did not increase usage rates among children in any state, and it led to a massive decrease in drug arrests. “A number of public health professional organizations support the decriminalization of cannabis due to adverse effects of cannabis-related arrests and legal consequences, particularly on …

]]>In a study of five states that have decriminalized marijuana, it was found that decriminalization did not increase usage rates among children in any state, and it led to a massive decrease in drug arrests.

“A number of public health professional organizations support the decriminalization of cannabis due to adverse effects of cannabis-related arrests and legal consequences, particularly on youth”, begins the abstract of the study, published by the International Journal of Drug Policy. “We sought to examine the associations between cannabis decriminalization and both arrests and youth cannabis use in five states that passed decriminalization measures between the years 2008 and 2014: Massachusetts (decriminalized in 2008), Connecticut (2011), Rhode Island (2013), Vermont (2013), and Maryland (2014).”

Data on cannabis possession arrests were obtained from federal crime statistics; data on cannabis use were obtained from state Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) surveys, years 2007-2015. Using a “difference in difference” regression framework, researchers “contrasted trends in decriminalization states with those from states that did not adopt major policy changes during the observation period.”

According to the study, decriminalization was associated with a 75% reduction in the rate of drug-related arrests for youth with similar effects observed for adult arrests. Decriminalization was “not associated with any increase in the past-30 day prevalence of cannabis use overall or in any of the individual decriminalization states.”

The study concludes by stating that; “Decriminalization of cannabis in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maryland resulted in large decreases in cannabis possession arrests for both youth and adults, suggesting that the policy change had its intended consequence. Our analysis did not find any increase in the prevalence of youth cannabis use during the observation period.”

The full study, conducted by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine, The Ohio State University, the University of Illinois and Eastern Virginia Medical School, can be found by clicking here.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-states-decriminalizing-marijuana-doesnt-increase-youth-usage-rates-decreases-drug-related-arrests-by-75/feed/237423Oregon Garners $9 Million in Marijuana Taxes in Mayhttps://thejointblog.com/oregon-garners-9-million-in-marijuana-taxes-in-may/
https://thejointblog.com/oregon-garners-9-million-in-marijuana-taxes-in-may/#respondThu, 19 Jul 2018 20:06:26 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37408Oregon garnered $9 million in marijuana taxes in May. According to the state’s Department of Revenue, Oregon garnered $8,868,932 in marijuana sales taxes in May. Only one time in the state’s history has more marijuana tax revenue been garnered in a single month (January of this year with $9.3 million). Of the $9 million in taxes garnered …

According to the state’s Department of Revenue, Oregon garnered $8,868,932 in marijuana sales taxes in May. Only one time in the state’s history has more marijuana tax revenue been garnered in a single month (January of this year with $9.3 million).

Of the $9 million in taxes garnered in May, $7.8 million came from a 17% statewide sales tax, with the remaining $1.2 million coming from citywide taxes (which under law can be as high as 3%).

Oregon is currently on tract to garner roughly $100 million in marijuana taxes for all of 2018. This would mark a 47% increase from the $68 million in taxes the state brought in from legal marijuana sales in 2017.

In Oregon the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana is legal for those 21 and older, thanks to a citizen’s initiative passed in 2014. The state has a licenses and regulated system of marijuana businesses, including retail outlets.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/oregon-garners-9-million-in-marijuana-taxes-in-may/feed/037408Study: Cannabis May Help Treat Sickle Cell Diseasehttps://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-may-help-treat-sickle-cell-disease/
https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-may-help-treat-sickle-cell-disease/#commentsThu, 19 Jul 2018 10:55:59 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37407Cannabis may be a potential treatment option for those with sickle cell disease, according to a new study published on the website of the National Institute of Health. “Legal access to marijuana, most frequently as “medical marijuana,” is becoming more common in the United States, but most states do not specify sickle cell disease as a qualifying …

]]>Cannabis may be a potential treatment option for those with sickle cell disease, according to a new study published on the website of the National Institute of Health.

(Photo: KidsHealth.org).

“Legal access to marijuana, most frequently as “medical marijuana,” is becoming more common in the United States, but most states do not specify sickle cell disease as a qualifying condition”, states the study. “We were aware that some of our patients living with sickle cell disease used illicit marijuana, and we sought more information about this.” Sickle cell disease, according to Mayo Clinic, is “A group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.”

For the study, researchers “practice at an urban, academic medical center and provide primary, secondary, and tertiary care for ∼130 adults living with sickle cell disease. We surveyed our patients with a brief, anonymous, paper-and-pen instrument.” They “reviewed institutional records for clinically driven urine drug testing” and “tracked patient requests for certification for medical marijuana.”

Among 58 patients surveyed, 42% reported marijuana use within the past 2 years. Among users, “most endorsed five medicinal indications; a minority reported recreational use.” Among 57 patients who had at least one urine drug test, 18% tested positive for cannabinoids only, 12% tested positive for cocaine and/or phencyclidine only, and 5% tested positive for both cannabinoids and cocaine/phencyclidine.

“Our findings and those of others create a rationale for research into the possible therapeutic effects of marijuana or cannabinoids, the presumed active constituents of marijuana, in sickle cell disease”, states researchers. “Explicit inclusion of sickle cell disease as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana might reduce illicit marijuana use and related risks and costs to both persons living with sickle cell disease and society.”

More information on this study, including its full text, can be found by clicking here.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-may-help-treat-sickle-cell-disease/feed/137407Oklahoma AG Says Board of Health Doesn’t Have Authority to Ban Smoking Medical Marijuanahttps://thejointblog.com/oklahoma-ag-says-board-of-health-doesnt-have-authority-to-ban-smoking-medical-marijuana/
https://thejointblog.com/oklahoma-ag-says-board-of-health-doesnt-have-authority-to-ban-smoking-medical-marijuana/#respondThu, 19 Jul 2018 00:42:12 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37399Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter sent out a press release today stating that the Board of Health’s recent ban on smoking medical marijuana is beyond their authority. “The current rules contain provisions that are inconsistent with the plain language of State Question 788 and the State Board of Health acted outside of its authority when …

]]>Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter sent out a press release today stating that the Board of Health’s recent ban on smoking medical marijuana is beyond their authority.

Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter.

“The current rules contain provisions that are inconsistent with the plain language of State Question 788 and the State Board of Health acted outside of its authority when it voted to implement them,” Hunter said in a Wednesday press release, referencing the Board’s recent vote to alter the voter-approved initiative to ban smoking medical marijuana despite the initiative clearly allowing it.

“Although I didn’t support State Question 788, the people of the state have spoken and I have a legal duty to honor the decision made by the electorate”, says Hunter. “My advice today is made pursuant to that responsibility as attorney general.”

Hunter has called on the Board of Health to immediately convene a special meeting in order to amend the rules to be in line with the will of State Question 788.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/oklahoma-ag-says-board-of-health-doesnt-have-authority-to-ban-smoking-medical-marijuana/feed/037399Study: CBD May Be Useful In Treating Breast Cancerhttps://thejointblog.com/study-cbd-may-be-useful-in-treating-breast-cancer/
https://thejointblog.com/study-cbd-may-be-useful-in-treating-breast-cancer/#commentsMon, 16 Jul 2018 09:06:34 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37390CBD may be a useful treatment for various breast cancer subtypes, according to a new study published by the journal The Breast. “Studies have emphasized an antineoplastic effect of the non-psychoactive, phyto-cannabinoid, Cannabidiol (CBD)”, begins the study’s abstract, which was epublished ahead of print by the National Institute of Health. “However, the molecular mechanism underlying …

]]>CBD may be a useful treatment for various breast cancer subtypes, according to a new study published by the journal The Breast.

“Studies have emphasized an antineoplastic effect of the non-psychoactive, phyto-cannabinoid, Cannabidiol (CBD)”, begins the study’s abstract, which was epublished ahead of print by the National Institute of Health. “However, the molecular mechanism underlying its antitumor activity is not fully elucidated. Herein, we have examined the effect of CBD on two different human breast cancer cell lines”.

The results “suggest that CBD treatment induces an interplay among PPARγ, mTOR and cyclin D1 in favor of apoptosis induction in both ER-positive and triple negative breast cancer cells, proposing CBD as a useful treatment for different breast cancer subtypes.”

The full study, conducted by researchers at Alexandria University in Egypt, can be found by clicking here.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-cbd-may-be-useful-in-treating-breast-cancer/feed/237390Study: Eating Raw Cannabis Associated With Significant Improvements in Insomnia Patientshttps://thejointblog.com/study-eating-raw-cannabis-associated-with-significant-improvements-in-insomnia-patients/
https://thejointblog.com/study-eating-raw-cannabis-associated-with-significant-improvements-in-insomnia-patients/#respondFri, 13 Jul 2018 20:54:29 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37382Consuming “raw, natural medical cannabis flower” is associated with “significant improvements” in insomnia patients, finds a new study published by the open access journal Medicines. For the study 409 people with a specified condition of insomnia completed 1056 medical cannabis administration sessions using the Releaf AppTM educational software during which they recorded real-time ratings of …

]]>Consuming “raw, natural medical cannabis flower” is associated with “significant improvements” in insomnia patients, finds a new study published by the open access journal Medicines.

For the study 409 people with a specified condition of insomnia completed 1056 medical cannabis administration sessions using the Releaf AppTM educational software during which they recorded real-time ratings of “self-perceived insomnia severity levels prior to and following consumption, experienced side effects, and product characteristics, including combustion method, cannabis subtypes, and/or major cannabinoid contents of cannabis consumed.” Within-user effects of different flower characteristics were modeled using “a fixed effects panel regression approach with standard errors clustered at the user level.”

Researchers found that “Releaf AppTM users showed an average symptom severity reduction of -4.5 points on a 0⁻10 point visual analogue scale.” Use of pipes and vaporizers was associated with “greater symptom relief and more positive and context-specific side effects as compared to the use of joints, while vaporization was also associated with lower negative effects.” Cannabidiol (CBD) “was associated with greater statistically significant symptom relief than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but the cannabinoid levels generally were not associated with differential side effects.”

The study concludes; “Consumption of medical Cannabis flower is associated with significant improvements in perceived insomnia with differential effectiveness and side effect profiles, depending on the product characteristics.”

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-eating-raw-cannabis-associated-with-significant-improvements-in-insomnia-patients/feed/037382Study: Cannabis Can Cause Death of Colon Cancer Cellshttps://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-causes-death-of-colon-cancer-cells/
https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-causes-death-of-colon-cancer-cells/#commentsFri, 13 Jul 2018 01:22:16 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37370According to a new study published by the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, and published online by the U.S. National Institute of Health, cannabis can cause the death of colon cancer cells, implying that it may be a potential treatment option for the disease. “Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer diagnosis and fourth leading …

]]>According to a new study published by the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, and published online by the U.S. National Institute of Health, cannabis can cause the death of colon cancer cells, implying that it may be a potential treatment option for the disease.

“Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer diagnosis and fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide”, begins the abstract of the study. “Purified cannabinoids have been reported to prevent proliferation, metastasis, and induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell types. However, the active compounds from Cannabis sativa flowers and their interactions remain elusive.” This study was “aimed to specify the cytotoxic effect of C. sativa-derived extracts on colon cancer cells and adenomatous polyps by identification of active compound(s) and characterization of their interaction.”

For the study, ethanol extracts of C. sativa were “analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry and their cytotoxic activity was determined using alamarBlue-based assay (Resazurin) and tetrazolium dye-based assay (XTT) on cancer and normal colon cell lines and on dysplastic adenomatous polyp cells.”

]]>https://thejointblog.com/study-cannabis-causes-death-of-colon-cancer-cells/feed/137370New York Health Department Announces Emergency Rules Allowing Medical Marijuana as a Replacement for Opioidshttps://thejointblog.com/new-york-health-department-announces-emergency-rules-allowing-medical-marijuana-as-a-replacement-for-opioids/
https://thejointblog.com/new-york-health-department-announces-emergency-rules-allowing-medical-marijuana-as-a-replacement-for-opioids/#respondFri, 13 Jul 2018 00:25:13 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37367The New York State Department of Health announced today the filing of emergency regulations adding any condition for which an opioid could be prescribed as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Effective immediately, registered practitioners may certify patients to use medical marijuana as a replacement for opioids, provided that the precise underlying condition for which an opioid …

]]>The New York State Department of Health announced today the filing of emergency regulations adding any condition for which an opioid could be prescribed as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.

Effective immediately, registered practitioners may certify patients to use medical marijuana as a replacement for opioids, provided that the precise underlying condition for which an opioid would otherwise be prescribed is stated on the patient’s certification. This allows patients with severe pain that doesn’t meet the definition of chronic pain to use medical marijuana as a replacement for opioids, states a press release from the Health Department.

In addition, the regulation adds opioid use disorder as an associated condition. This allows patients with opioid use disorder who are enrolled in a certified treatment program to use medical marijuana as an opioid replacement.

Plans to add opioid replacement as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana were first announced last month.

“Medical marijuana has been shown to be an effective treatment for pain that may also reduce the chance of opioid dependence,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Adding opioid replacement as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana offers providers another treatment option, which is a critical step in combatting the deadly opioid epidemic affecting people across the state.”

These emergency regulations went into effect on a temporary basis on July 12, 2018. The Department also filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on July 12, 2018, commencing the process of permanently adopting the regulations. The permanent regulations will be published in the New York StateRegister on August 1, 2018, and will be subject to a 60-day public comment period.

In addition, within the next week, certified patients and designated caregivers will be able to print temporary registry ID cards. This will allow them to purchase medical marijuana products more quickly after registering for the program. Patients may use the temporary registry ID card in conjunction with a government issued photo identification to purchase medical marijuana products from a registered organization’s dispensing facility. Prior to this enhancement to the Medical Marijuana Data Management System, it could take 7 to 10 days for patients and their caregivers to receive their registry identification cards after their registration was approved.

Other recent enhancements to New York’s Medical Marijuana Program include adopting new regulations to improve the program for patients, practitioners and registered organizations; authorizing five additional registered organizations to manufacture and dispense medical marijuana; adding chronic pain and PTSD as qualifying conditions; permitting home delivery; and empowering nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify patients.

As of July 10, 2018, there are 62,256 certified patients and 1,735 registered practitioners participating in the program.

Recently Maine’s Legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass LD 1539, which removes the state’s list of qualifying medical cannabis conditions, instead allowing doctors to recommend the medicine to anyone they feel could benefit of it. The measure makes several other changes, including increasing the number of dispensaries allowed in the state from eight to 14.

Despite passing by a combined vote of 144 to 31 in the House and Senate, Governor LePage – a staunch opponent of marijuana and efforts to liberalize the laws surrounding it – vetoed the measure. Thankfully the bill had well more than the 2/3rds support it needed in the legislature for them to override the veto, which they have now officially done.

]]>https://thejointblog.com/maine-legislature-overrides-governors-veto-of-medical-cannabis-expansion-bill/feed/137364Study Finds Medical Marijuana Associated With 30% Reduction in Schedule III Opioid Prescriptions, 29% Reduction in Medicaid Spendinghttps://thejointblog.com/study-finds-medical-marijuana-associated-with-30-reduction-in-schedule-iii-opioid-prescriptions-29-reduction-in-medicaid-spending/
https://thejointblog.com/study-finds-medical-marijuana-associated-with-30-reduction-in-schedule-iii-opioid-prescriptions-29-reduction-in-medicaid-spending/#commentsWed, 11 Jul 2018 09:34:16 +0000https://thejointblog.com/?p=37355Newly released research, published on the website for the U.S. National Library of Medicine, shows that the legalization of medical marijuana is associated with a large reduction in prescriptions and dosages of schedule III opioids. Noting “29 states and Washington DC have legalized cannabis for medical use”, the study “examined whether statewide medical cannabis legalization was associated with reduction in …

]]>Newly released research, published on the website for the U.S. National Library of Medicine, shows that the legalization of medical marijuana is associated with a large reduction in prescriptions and dosages of schedule III opioids.

Noting “29 states and Washington DC have legalized cannabis for medical use”, the study “examined whether statewide medical cannabis legalization was associated with reduction in opioids received by Medicaid enrollees.”

Using a variety of scientifically designed methodologies (specifics can be found by clicking here), researchers found that for Schedule III opioid prescriptions, “medical cannabis legalization was associated with a 29.6% reduction in number of prescriptions, 29.9% reduction in dosage, and 28.8% reduction in related Medicaid spending.”

However, no evidence was found to support the associations between medical cannabis legalization and Schedule II opioid prescriptions.

The study concludes by stating: “Statewide medical cannabis legalization appears to have been associated with reductions in both prescriptions and dosages of Schedule III (but not Schedule II) opioids received by Medicaid enrollees in the US.”